An ICE officer shot and wounded a 28-year-old Venezuelan man during an encounter in North Austin on Sunday afternoon, prompting immediate protests, criticism from city leaders, and calls for an independent investigation.
The incident occurred around 12:56 p.m. near the intersection of Anderson Square and Research Boulevard, under a highway overpass. Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said the man suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and was taken to Dell Seton Medical Center in serious but stable condition.
He was later released into ICE custody according to the attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch identified the man as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, a DoorDash driver who lives in Austin with his wife. She said he was in the middle of a delivery when the encounter happened.
Law enforcement sources told multiple outlets that Perez is a Venezuelan national in the country illegally and had a final order of removal; Lincoln-Goldfinch has given mixed statements on his immigration history and said the family was initially blocked from seeing him.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said APD officers were not involved in the operation or the shooting, which followed what she described as a possible brief foot pursuit after a traffic stop. City Council member Mike Siegel alleged an ICE vehicle rammed Perez’s blue Toyota Corolla before an officer exited and fired multiple shots; a damaged sedan with apparent bullet holes was visible at the scene.
Texas DPS said it had been asked to assist with a vehicle pursuit but arrived after the shooting. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not publicly detailed what happened.
Protesters gathered at the scene Sunday afternoon and evening, waving flags, beating drums, and carrying signs such as “Abolish ICE” and “Stop ICE murder.” Some clashed with law enforcement; DPS troopers used pepper balls to disperse parts of the crowd.
Mayor Kirk Watson said he was “very angry” but “not surprised,” citing ICE’s recent operations, and joined Chief Davis and others in demanding that Austin police and Texas
Rangers participate in the investigation rather than leaving it solely to federal authorities. Rep. Greg Casar called for body-camera footage and accountability.
The shooting is the latest high-profile use-of-force incident involving ICE amid intensified immigration enforcement.
